The Scottish Government is to release its predictions of post-Brexit economic impact, as part of a push to remain in the Single Market.

Analysis will focus on the most "realistic" trade options the UK will face on leaving the EU and will detail growth, investment and productivity among other measures.

It comes as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the first few months of 2018 as a "window of opportunity" for protecting Scotland's place in Europe.

She said: "The Scottish Government believes that continued membership of the EU is the best option for Scotland and the rest of the UK.

"However, if the UK Government is intent on Brexit, it must ensure that the damage to our society and economy is minimised.

"Quite simply, that means staying in the European Single Market.

"Now is therefore the time for all those determined to keep Scotland and the UK in the Single Market - the world's richest marketplace, of 500 million people - to speak up and work together.

"These next few months are a window of opportunity.

"The Scottish Government will shortly set out the realistic options facing the UK outside the EU - reverting to World Trade Organisation rules, a basic free trade deal or remaining within the Single Market and Customs Union."

Predictions of the post-Brexit trade options and their economic impact will be published later this month.

These will be included in a forthcoming paper from the Government on Scotland's future relationship with Europe.

Ms Sturgeon added that she expected talks on the UK's future relationship with the EU to start at the end of March.

She said: "Over the coming months we will also set out the new opportunities for Scotland if we stay inside the developing Single Market and Customs Union, and why it is essential that we have the ability to continue to attract workers to Scotland.

"The decisions taken in the next few months will be crucial for jobs, wages and opportunities for future generations."

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